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Tag: sneezing

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (rta) that the Prophet (sa) said: “Yawning comes from the Shaytan, so if one of you feels the urge to yawn, let him suppress it as much as he can, for if one of you says ‘ha’ (the sound made when yawning), the Shaytan laughs.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

It was proven in the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah (rta) that the Prophet (sa) said: “Allah (swt) likes the act of sneezing and dislikes the act of yawning, so if any one of you sneezes and praises Allah (swt) (says “Alhumdulillah”), it is a duty on every Muslim who hears him to say to him, “YarhamukAllah (may Allah (swt) have mercy on you).”

As for yawning, it is from the Shaytan, so if any of you feels the urge to yawn, he should suppress it as much as he can, for when any one of you yawns, the Shaytan laughs at him.” (Bukhari)

Various phrases to be used by the “Sneezer” to praise Allah (swt)

Alhumdulillah (praise be to Allah (swt))

Alhumdulillah ‘Alakullihaal (Praise be to Allah (swt) in all situations)

Alhumdulillah Rabbil-‘Aalameen (Praise be to Allah (swt) the Lord of the Worlds)

‘AafanaAllah-waiyyakum-min-al-nar, YarhamukumAllah (May Allah (swt) save us and you from the Fire; may Allah (swt) have mercy on you)

YarhamunaAllahu-waiyyakum-wayaghfirlana-walakum (may Allah (swt) have mercy on us and you, may He forgive us and you)

All of the above narrations are “Saheeh” and a Muslim may choose whichever of them he wants. And Allah (swt) knows best.

The Prophet (sa) stated that yawning comes from the Shaytan (Satan), and he told us to suppress yawning as much as we can, but if yawning overtakes us, then he told us to put our hands over our mouths.

1. It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (rta) said: The Messenger of Allah (sa) said: “If one of you yawns – according to another report: whilst praying – let him suppress it as much as he can, for the Shaytan comes in.” (Muslim)

2. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (rta) that the Prophet (sa) said: “Yawning comes from the Shaytan, so if one of you feels the urge to yawn, let him suppress it as much as he can, for if one of you says ‘ha’ (the sound made when yawning), the Shaytan laughs.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Ruling on saying “Alhumdulillah” after sneezing when praying:

It is prescribed for him/her to say Alhumdulillah, because it is proven in the Saheeh Hadeeth that the Prophet (sa) heard someone say Alhumdulillah after sneezing and he did not rebuke him, rather he said: “I saw such and such a number of angels, all of whom were hastening to write it down.” And because praising Allah (swt) is akin to the phrases of prayer, and is not contrary to it.”

(Majmoo’ Fataawa al-ShaykhIbnBaaz)

Conclusion:

Muslims should submit to the authentic Islamic texts and act accordingly, without trying too hard to understand precisely why a text commands or forbids something. They should believe that Allah (swt) is the Wise and Aware, Who does not prescribe anything for His slaves- unless it is in their best interests, in this world and the next; even though it may not cross their minds and some people may understand part of the wisdom behind it, whereas others will never know. The Muslim’s basic rule is to follow the commands, and if he has some knowledge of the reason behind the commands, then praise be to Allah (swt).

May Allah (swt) make us from those who obeyed Him and made Him happy. May He make us from those whom He forgave, and bestowed upon His mercy. May He bless us the best of both worlds – Ameen.

Let’s begin with the name of Allah (swt), The Creator of everything in existence. Let’s pray, may Allah (swt) help us in gaining the correct knowledge, and may He make it beneficial to whoever hears it – Ameen.

Our religion Islam is complete in every manner Alhumdulillah (Praise be to Allah). Be it a big issue like marriage, or a small issue such as entering a house, yawning or sneezing; a complete code of conduct is prescribed for all types of matters and situations – Praise be to Allah (swt).

There are certain etiquettes (manners) that should be observed in times of yawning and sneezing. The best and the only way for us (Muslims) is the way suggested by Allah (swt) and His Prophet Muhammad (sa).

Three words are of great importance in Islam when doing any action; “Ikhlas” (Sincerety), “Ihsan” (being in a state of awareness that Allah (swt) is watching me at all times) and “Ikhlaq” (manners/etiquettes). If a deed is done in a state of Ihsan with proper etiquettes for the sake of Allah (swt) with Ikhlas in it, it will never go unrewarded. Insha’Allah (if Allah (swt) wills)

There are certain manners and supplications that were practiced by our Prophet Muhammad (sa) when he sneezed and yawned. A good deed must comprise of the following two components:

1. It is for Allah (swt) only.

2. It is done as prescribed by Allah (swt) and/or Prophet (sa) .

Once our deeds, irrespective of their size, are encapsulated in the above two components, they will be readily accepted by our Creator in the best way – Insha’Allah.

Our Prophet Muhammad (sa) was sent to us by Allah (swt) as the best living example for the mankind.

Allah (swt) says in the Quran, “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad (sa) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Al-Ahzab 33:21)

There are certain etiquettes and various supplications for “Sneezing” and “Yawning” that are present in various (authentic) “Saheeh Ahadeeth”, which are important to be remembered and performed when someone sneezes or yawns. Many of us may think sneezing and yawning is a small thing, and why should we give importance to this level of subject. Whereas, the reality for the believers is, that we need, as many good deeds as possible, in our account, since we do not know which of the tiniest good deed may land us in Jannah (Heaven) on the Day of Judgement.

Prophet’s (sa) instruction for sneezing

Al-Bukhari narrated from Abu Hurairah (rta) that the Prophet (sa) said: “When one of you sneezes, let him say, ‘Alhumdulillah (Praise be to Allah (swt)),’ and let his brother or companion say to him. ‘YarhamukAllah (May Allah (swt) have mercy on you).’ If he says, ‘Yarhamuk-Allah,’ then let (the sneezer) say, ‘Yahdeekum-Allah-Wayuslihu-Balakum (May Allah (swt) guide you and rectify your condition).’”